Hampton, VA — January 29, 2025, Joniyah Temple was killed and Ashley Shockley and Steven Wagenmann Sr. were injured in a van accident at about 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 64 near the Mercury Boulevard Exit.
Authorities said a 2012 Buick Lacrosse was traveling east when one of its tires blew, causing it to crash into wall near the left lane. A 2019 Ford Fusion stopped to help, before 2013 Chevrolet Express 2500 van crashed into the Buick, knocking it into the other car.
Buick driver Joniyah Temple, 21, died after being transported to a local hospital, authorities said.
Ford driver Ashley N. Shockley and van driver Steven Thomas Wagenmann Sr., 61, were injured in the crash as well, but the severity of their injuries is unclear.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a crash where a vehicle experiences a tire blowout and is then struck by another vehicle, my first question is, “Was there enough time and space for approaching drivers to react safely?” Many people assume that once the initial crash happens, everything that follows is unavoidable, but in my experience, these chain-reaction crashes often involve multiple factors that need careful investigation.
One of the first things investigators should determine is whether the blown tire was the result of a sudden failure or a longer-term maintenance issue. Tires don’t usually fail without warning, and I’ve handled cases where improper inflation, excessive wear or even manufacturing defects led to a catastrophic failure. If the tire was in poor condition, that could raise questions about whether routine maintenance was performed properly.
Another key factor is visibility and traffic conditions. The Buick came to rest near the left lane, which raises the question of whether other drivers had enough warning to avoid it. Were the vehicle’s hazard lights on? Was traffic already slowing down due to the initial crash, or was the van traveling at full speed when it collided with the stopped car? Reviewing ECM (black box) data from the van could help determine its speed and braking before impact.
At this stage, too little is known to say exactly what caused this wreck, but that’s why a thorough investigation is necessary. Looking beyond the immediate chain of events will be key in understanding how this crash happened. The families affected by this crash deserve those answers.
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